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NIV is used unless otherwise noted.

A New You

You were taught, with
regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being
corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your
minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness
and holiness.

Ephesians 4:22-24

Thousands around the world take off their protective
winter clothes to put on swimsuits and plunge into bodies of freezing cold
water on New Year’s Day. Collectively, they are known as the Polar Bear Club.

A group of 30 mountaineers take off their normal
attire to put on heavy outerwear and sport backpacks stuffed with fireworks.
They scale 14,000 ft. Pikes Peak in Colorado to ignite a bright light show at
midnight on December 31st. Snow, ice, and wind chills of -50 degrees are endured. This is the AdAmAn Club
since 1922.

These are a couple of extreme events that have
evolved over the years into New Year’s Day traditions—some for sheer sport and
some for charity fundraising.

In contrast to these outward behaviors, the New
Testament encourages Christ followers to put off the old self and put on the
new self, an inner practice. It’s to be continuous—not a once-a-year event. Let’s:

Put off unforgiveness and bitterness. Put on
forgiveness and tenderheartedness.

Put off the desire to isolate. Put on the desire to
move towards others in love.

Put off gossip. Put on a heart that covers a
multitude of sins.

Put off our expectations and demands of others to
meet our needs. Put on patience, meekness, and humility in order to serve
others.

Putting on the new self sheds burdens and frees our
spirits. Let’s practice!

Lord, Jesus,
I thank You that my sin nature was crucified with You on the cross. Sin no
longer has power over me. I’m free to choose to put on my new self and live victoriously
according to my new identity in You.